cistern

the translation of a Hebrew word bor, which means a receptacle for water conveyed to it; distinguished from beer, which denotes a place where water rises on the spot (Jer. 2:13; Prov. 5:15; Isa. 36:16), a fountain

Cisterns are frequently mentioned in Scripture. The scarcity of springs in Israel made it necessary to collect rain-water in reservoirs and cisterns (Num. 21:22). (See WELL.)